12 Unique Housewarming Gifts for the Holiday Season

It’s the holiday season and we can’t wait to taste that juicy Thanksgiving turkey roasting in the oven! Many families start their holiday festivities soon after Halloween, with beautiful lighting up and down the streets of our community, and the smell of fresh fir and cinnamon sticks filling our homes. We love this time of year, can’t you tell?

Whether you will be attending a holiday party hosted by your company, family member, or some close friends, here is a list of noteworthy housewarming gifts that will grace any home!

Techies 

Like themiPhone 6 dock – Yet another way to organize their gadgets! Except this time, this little dock will be dedicated to their everyday necessities; iPhone, watch, wallet, and other accessories.!

Love themPhotojojo Lens Series – Every techie will have either an iPhone or an Android… or both! Give your host the chance to gear up that already awesome camera and let their inner photographer shine!

In love with themJawbone Big Jambox – The best Bluetooth wireless speaker, a staple on every techie’s (or non-techie’s!) desk. With precision-tuned drivers, dual passive bass radiators, and multi-band compressors working in concert, your eyes won’t believe your ears.

Athletes 

Like themMedley in the Meadow Speaker Blanket – Warm, easy to pack, and plays music! Need we say more?

Love themNature Box Subscription – What’s better than an ordinary gift? A gift that keeps coming… every month! Athletes are always looking for healthy snacks to munch on in between meals. Nature Box sends its subscribers 5 full-sized packages of great tasting nutritionist-approved snacks. Choose from a month-to-month, 3 months, 6 months, or 12-month subscription.

In love with themThe Dash Wireless Earphones – Athletes, get ready to say goodbye to your phone. These perfect wireless earphones are integrated with 4GB storage allowing its owner to carry up to 1000 songs in his/her ears. The Dash is also a microphone, Bluetooth headset, fitness tracker, heart rate monitor, and best of all, waterproof. Say goodbye to the days of tangle interfering headphones and music players, and hello to a truly hands-free workout!

Culinary Enthusiast 

Like themRock Glass – Someone who nearly lives in the kitchen may already have all tools they need for all of their secret recipes. Why not grab two sets of these to give their bar section a little boost? 

Love themCuisine R-Evolution Molecular Gastronomy Kit – For experienced culinary lovers, watch the video, enough said.

In love with themNespresso Pixi Aluminium – approved by the pickiest of espresso palates (me included)! Espresso from this machine never tastes watered down, with plenty of flavors to choose from. Will be treasured by any culinary household, guaranteed.

World Traveler 

Like themCelestial Coaster Set – World travelers often times bring home carefully selected pieces from the different countries and cultures they have visited. Once home how nice would it be to kick back, relax, and enjoy drinks with these beautiful coasters?

Love themSelk’bag Marvel Collection Wearable Sleeping Bag – Now not every world travel may be a backpacker, but how awesome are these? When the comfort of a onesie meets your favorite defenders of humanity from arguably the best comic book university- we’re almost sure you’ll never set eyes on another sleeping bag again!

In love with them: GoPro HERO 4 – You’ll have to really love them to get this for your host because it will cost you a pretty penny. A GoPro camera has all the capabilities of a hi-res camera plus so much more… A must for any world traveler!

Obviously, these gifts aren’t only for the Techies, Athletes, Culinary Enthusiasts, and World Travelers! If you have a special host to surprise, it might be a great idea to split the pricier gifts among a group who may also be going to the event. Which one of these gifts would you love to receive?

Lavish Luxury: 10 Multi-Million Dollar Dream Homes

via Leverage Global Partners

Looking for the ultimate in lavish luxury? From extravagant penthouses to sprawling country estates, these 10 multi-million dollar dream homes from our Leverage Partners around the world are the epitome of opulence:

Unparalleled French Country Estate
Represented by J. Rockcliff Realtors  |  $42,000,000

J-Rockcliff1

This custom 100+ acre French Country estate is unparalleled in the Bay Area, with abundant terraces offering vistas of rolling hillsides and valleys.

Exclusive Sunridge Plateau
Represented by Thornhill Real Estate Group |  $14,950,000

Thornhill3

Perched at the top of a Whistler, BC plateau, this magnificent mountain home has endless views and classic Craftsman style architecture with a modern flair.

Marvelous Historical Manor
Represented by Influence Real Estate  |  $12,900,000

Influence1

This marvelous historical manor is a Utah gem that is steeped in history, with ornate details that have been carefully preserved the home was established in 1938.

500-Acre Tropical Retreat
Represented by Plantación Properties  |  $29,750,000

Plantacion

This exclusive Costa Rica estate is a haven of solitude and serenity set amid 500 acres of tropical jungle, majestic cliffs, and dazzling white-sand beaches.

Stunning Fifth Avenue Home
Represented by CORE  |  $34,500,000

CORE4

History, elegance, and modern restoration converge in this magnificent Fifth Avenue home with unobstructed views of Central Park and the NYC skyline.

 Quiet Lake Equestrian Estate
Represented by Barbara Cleary’s Realty Guild  |  $29,900,000

HDRtist HDR Rendering - http://www.ohanaware.com/hdrtist/

Set against 152-acres of scenic countryside, a classic Tudor-style mansion and pristine state-of-the-art equestrian facilities offer the ultimate haven of privacy and relaxation.

Iconic Hawaiian Destination
Represented by The Boutique Real Estate Group  |  $26,000,000

Boutique

Designed according to the timeless principles of feng shui, this Maui estate invites nature in, with whitewater ocean views and warm fragrant breezes.

Modern Homage to Aspen-Living
Represented by Shane Aspen Real Estate  |  $13,900,000

Multi-Million-Dollar-Thumb-750x400

This modern Aspen home is where quiet and comfort meets excitement and sophisticated elegance, with panoramic mountain views from terraces in virtually every room.

French Normandy Estate
Represented by Partners Trust  |  $18,000,000

PT-21

Located in the most prime section of Lower Bel Air, this French Normandy estate is excellent for large gatherings, featuring expansive park-like grounds and elegant formal rooms.

Magnificent Beachfront Villa
Represented by Beauchamp Estates  |  €8,500,000

Beauchamp-Cannes

 Located on the dazzling French Riviera, this beachfront property, with beautiful views of the Mediterranean, is set amongst lush landscaped gardens.

Which of these dream estates would you like to call home?  Please share your ideas below.

10 Sophisticated Dining Room Designs

via Leverage Global Partners

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Nothing beats enjoying a lavish meal at home, with ample space and elegant ambience to wine and dine with your friends and family. Complete with sophisticated design, exquisite details, and unique furnishings, these eye-catching dining rooms from some of our Leverage Partners will make you feel like you’re dining in a five star restaurant from the comfort of your own home.

Extraordinary Estate
Represented by Tyler Redhead & McAlister Real Estate  |  $3,500,000

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Ideally situated in the rolling foothills of North Carolina, this expansive North Carolina estate features a gorgeous, spacious dining area.

Private & Serene Home
Represented by Turnquist Partners Realtors  |  $4,695,000

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Enjoy a panoramic view of downtown Austin & the Texas hill country from the dining room of this private & serene home.

An Iconic, World-Class Destination
Represented by The Boutique Real Estate Group |  $26,000,000

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Tastefully decorated and furnished, this estate dining room on Maui’s coast offers ocean views and warm fragrant breezes.

Magnificent Home in Stone Cliff
Represented by Red Rock Real Estate  |  $3,999,950

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An exquisite masterpiece in St. George, Utah, this magnificent home offers a handsome dining room created with unsurpassed craftsmanship.

City Tower Azabu-Juban
Represented by Housing Japan  |  ¥400,000,000

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Experience impressive views of Tokyo from the dining room of this ultra modern penthouse with glass curtain walls.

Exquisitely Designed Condo
Represented by Forest Hill Real Estate Inc.  |  $6,995,000

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Nestled in the most elegant and exclusive building in Toronto, this condo dining room is timeless and flawless.

Grand Vacation Home
Represented by Nectar Real Estate  |  $1,400,000

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Designed with the vacation guest experience in mind, this grand home in Celebration, Florida includes dining seating for 16 people.

Unparalleled French Country Estate
Represented by J. Rockcliff Realtors  |  $42,000,000

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This custom French Country estate is unrivaled in the Bay Area, with a substantial dining room decorated with elegant finishes.

Hollywood Hills Contemporary
Represented by Partners Trust  |  $10,000,000

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Elevated high above the City of Angels, the dining area of this grand estate is worthy of the most discerning of tastes.

Dallas Penthouse
Represented by Allie Beth Allman & Associates  |  $10,950,000

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Floor to ceiling windows and a view from the 30th story give this Dallas penthouse striking yet unpretentious ambience.

Do you dream of feasting in your own luxurious dining room? Which sophisticated dining room style is your favorite? Share your ideas and leave your comments below.

Soft Opening | Corona del Mar | The Boutique Real Estate Group

 

The Boutique Real Estate Group

 

Simply an amazing night with our Boutique Family. A soft opening to our new headquarters in Corona Del Mar. What started of as a whim many years ago has truly changed all our lives forever. Thank you. We are truly speechless.  www.TheBoutiqueRE.com

10 Questions with Raj Qsar | The Boutique Real Estate Group

10 Questions with Raj Qsar

Raj Qsar, Principal/Owner of The Boutique Real Estate Group, part of Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate‘s Beta Brokerage Project. Read on as Raj answers ten questions with Clean Slate, and talks about digital and social engagement, buying a piece of dirt and Walt Disney.

  1. Which of our BHGRE® P.A.I.G.E. (Passion, Authenticity, Innovation, Growth, Excellence) core values do you identify with most, and why?

    Passion:  This is truly at the root of who we are and what we stand for.  There is a quote that our team references at meetings, on social and even in some of our marketing material, and it is by Walt Disney.  “Whatever you do, do it well.  Do it so well that when people see you do it they will want to come back and see you do it again and they will bring others and show them how well you do what you do.”   We take such time and effort into the smallest of details when it comes to marketing, social, systems and execution that the final outcome is a culmination of multiple passionate minds at work and the results bring success to our agents and our clients.

  2. What are your favorite qualities in a customer? 

    One of our favorite qualities in a customer is their ability to instantly trust us.  Many of our clients meet us in real life after watching, sharing and engaging with us online and when they meet us they say, “you are all exactly who you seem you would be.”  We know trust is built one block at a time and when you are building relationships, it is so important to realize that our clients are entrusting their largest worldly asset to our hands and our minds.  But trust is so much more than an online to offline relationship, it is making and keeping promises to our clients and our agents as well.  This enables a culture built on earned trust and respect for one another.

  3. What is the one characteristic that’s helped you the most in your career? 

    The one characteristic that has helped me in my career is the ability to keep asking questions.  We keep asking questions because we are just curious people.  And when you are curious about something you tend to search until you find the answer.  Albert Einstein said, “The important thing is not to stop questioning.  Curiosity has it own reason for existing.”

  4. What was the last book you read? 

    The last book I read was Peoplework by Chris Smith and Austin Allison with a forward written by Gary Vaynerchuk.  We have become so digital in all we do.  Everyone is head down and focused.  And they are focused on their phone.  So we forget sometimes that there is a person in that phone.  A real, live, living, breathing individual.  So it becomes increasingly important to almost have to remind yourself how to run a people-first business in a digital-first world, and that people communicate with people.

  5. If you were not in real estate, what would you be doing? 

     If I were not in real estate I would most likely move to Napa, buy a piece of dirt, and build a winery.

  6. What was the last song you heard that you couldn’t stop humming? 

    “Exit” by U2 from the album Joshua Tree.

  7. Who is your real-life hero? 

    My real life hero is Jesus Christ because he changed my heart.

  8. What is your favorite motto? 

    One of my favorite mottos is by Steven Covery from his book The 8th Habitand has to do with leadership.  He says, “The 8th Habit Leader has the mindset and the skill set to constantly look for the potential in people.  This kind of leadership communicates to people their own worth so clearly that they come to see it in themselves.”

  9. If you could sell a home in any market in the world, where would it be? 

    It would be really fun to tell the story of an estate home in Italy on a Tuscan vineyard that has been passed down from generation to generation.  The dirt, the grapes, the building and the people would be a wonderful opportunity to share with the world.

  10. What advice would you give your younger self starting out in real estate? 

    The advice I would give to a new agent entering into the world of real estate would be to join an amazing team.  And I do not just mean a busy team.  But an amazingly highly respected team where you can learn, experience and absorb everything and anything that is real estate.  That includes not only all the “beautiful and shiny” things that real estate offers, but also all the challenges that real estate brings each and everyday.  From contracts, lender guidelines and appraisals to staging, photography, pre- and post-processing of photos, editing video, print campaigns and the entire social media and web content strategy.

    This team would have to have systems in place that are actually used every single day…from lead generation to lead conversion to lead nurturing.  From digital transaction management to eSigning and being 100% location independent by using your iPhone/iPad to manage the entire transaction.  And finally, this team would need a culture that is pure, genuine and intentional by giving back to their hyper-local community.

    Is this too much to ask for?  I do not think so.  I have met so many truly amazing people in this industry and I am re-affirmed each day that these people do exist.

July Events at Pavilion Park | The Boutique Real Estate Group

COOKING DEMO | Ode to the BurgerUnleash your inner chef. The theme of this month’s cooking class will be Ode to the Burger. Perfect for cooks of all levels. July 5 10:30am-12:00pm
YOGA IN THE PARK | Self NavigationYoga and meditation that will focus on self navigation. Perfect for beginner and intermediate yogis. July 12 9:00-10:15am
FRIDAY NIGHT HAPPENINGS | Honky Tonk NightCountry music is about storytelling. Join us for a night of music in the great southern tradition, by the Freightshakers. Plus a convoy of food trucks, including GD Bro Burger, Bear Flag Fish Co., the Viking Truck, and Drive Me Cookie. And pottery demonstrations. July 18 6:00-9:00pm
YOGA IN THE PARK | Strength and SoftnessYoga and meditation that will focus on strength and softness. Perfect for beginner and intermediate yogis. July 19 9:00-10:15am
GARDEN WORKSHOP | Surviving the Summer HeatThe heat of summer can take a toll on gardens and gardeners. Discussion to include irrigation techniques, how to operate irrigation timers, water conservation, runoff friendly hardscape, and the benefits of mulching. July 19 10:30-11:30am
YOGA IN THE PARK | Creating SpaceYoga and meditation that will focus on creating space. Perfect for beginner and intermediate yogis. July 26 9:00-10:15am
Please register in advance for Cooking Demos, Garden Workshops and Yoga Classes.

Takeaways from AREAA Vancouver 2014 Luxury Real Estate Conference

Written By:  Raj Qsar

Leaving the comforts of Orange County have never really been to easy for me.  I am a creature of habit.  Not sure when that started or why it started but it just did.  Personally, I would rather vacation at The Montage in Laguna Beach than fly to some 5 star resort in the Caribbean.  But, this trip for me to Vancouver was just full of memories that I will keep with me for a long time.

The Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) is a nonprofit professional trade organization dedicated to promoting sustainable homeownership opportunities in Asian American communities by creating a powerful national voice for housing and real estate professionals that serve this dynamic market.

I had the opportunity to be invited to speak at AREAA Vancouver this past week and this conference had a heavy luxury presence and a heavy international presence.  And I had the opportunity to take away a few gems and here they are:

1.  “The market goes up & down but SERVICE lives forever.”  This quote was by my friend Nobu Hata, Director of Digital Engagement for The National Association of Realtors.  And this is so very true!  More than ever we are living “in the moment.”  We, as Realtors are expected to reply at a moments notice at all times of the day.  And we do.  Its just in our DNA to provide this level of exceptional care & attention and when it is executed our clients will continue to look to us for support.

2.  “Give your clients something they can NOT google.”  Once again Nobu is on a roll here.  This really resonated with me because saying “just google it” is totally acceptable in our culture now.  But if you are able to give your heart & soul to your clients and provide amazing knowledge & service (not found on Google) you will earn the trust of your clients.

3.  Think Globally Locally.  Love love love this from my friend Teri Conrad!  You really need to understand not only worldwide economies but also worldwide customs.  For example, the way you accept a card from a potential client, what you do with the card and where you put it after you have read it.   This was truly eye opening for me.  Having your website in multiple languages, having a country code on your cell number or office number and incorporating this into all the things yo do.  This matters!

4.  Destination Marketing.  As agents we are required to do so much.  Know so much.  And execute so much.  What we as agents have to do is beyond the upper limits of what is possible in this day & age.  So…..what if you had a team of creatives that could take care of all the creative work for you on your luxury listing?  What if this group of creatives could fly anywhere in the world to do all the super-smart thinking for you and then assist on the digital push out to all channels and add your smiley happy face on the marketing content?   I…LOVE…IT!  Please check this out —>  HaleAlii

5.  Competitive Immunity.  This little nugget of inspiration hit me while I was on MobileAgentTV with my friends Michael Thorne, Teri Conrad & Tony Joe.  By doing the little things each & every day and doing them at a level that exceeds 99.9% of other agents in your Global Hyperlocal Market you will be successful and your clients will love you.

Conference Website

AREAA Agenda

AREAA Speakers

Live from AREAA Vancouver 2014

 

The Digital Age of Real Estate | Raj Qsar | The Boutique Real Estate Group

Episode 44: Raj Qsar: How to digitize & “Boutique-ify” your Real Estate business.

What does it take to be a Real Estate Rockstar? Join us as Raj shares his realtor mindset and a glance at his journey to becoming a “boutique-ified” Real Estate Rockstar.

Leadership, passion, strategy, and execution are the keys to success according to Raj Qsar. Raj has started The Boutique Real Estate Group in Orange County, California. It is his vision that effective marketing of residential Real Estate be, by nature, complex. Each listing they receive is assigned a best-in-class sales & marketing campaign, and it then receives industry-leading marketing, advertising, social media, interior design, and graphics/design. Each of these pieces come together to create a customized marketing plan for each client and each property. When you partner best-in-class sales & marketing with a digital Real Estate experience, you have one of the most sophisticated, strategic companies in the Real Estate industry. Join us to learn how Raj Qsar and The Boutique Real Estate Group are turning heads everywhere they go!

Raj Qsar |HibanDigital | Real Estate Rockstar

 

Real Estate AH-HA Moment

  • When Raj first entered the world of Real Estate he tried to do it all. From the fancy camera, to video, to social media, and even staging, Raj was a one-person show. He realized that in order to scale his business he needed to hire others that were experts in their field. His first hire was a graphic designer, Listen in to hear what happened next.

The Boutique Real Estate Group

  • “We are a tech start-up who happens to be passionate about people, and we happen to sell homes” Check our their website to see for yourself just how cutting-edge they are: http://www.theboutiquere.com

In this Episode, We Also Talk About:

  • How to become publicly recognized.
  • How to start a business.
  • Change the way you market a home.
  • How to find that “one shot” of a home.
  • How to learn and then tell the story of the home.
  • How to specialize in Pinterest.
  • How to take your business digital.
  • How to market a home for social media outlets.
  • Plus so much more!

Thank Raj on Twitter

If you enjoyed this interview and would like to show Raj some love for coming on the show, you can do so easily by clicking on the link below!

Click here to tweet-thank Raj

 

Thanks for Rocking Out

Thank you for tuning in to Pat Hiban Interviews Real Estate Rockstars, we appreciate you!

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Have any questions? Tweet meFacebook me, or call 410.750.6746, and ask Pat anything. Then head on over to Bare Naked Agent for his answers, and advice.

Thanks, and keep rockin!

Laguna Beach | The Boutique Real Estate Group | Chris Kwon

Laguna Beach Lifeguard Tower

Laguna Beach is like no other place in Orange County. Take a moment and soak this in. The landscape, culture, people and the colors (ohhh the colors), makes it even hard to compare even to it’s neighboring cities. Even the scent of the ocean is different. The people of Laguna Beach know what I’m talking about, so this may be a odd concept to picture if you’ve never been here before.

But for those of you that live here and had to narrow down the best thing that this city has to offer, what would it be? Would it be the effect that the cool crisp air has across your skin as you open up the door for the first time in the morning? Or what about the grains of sand in between you toes as you walk along the beach? Maybe it’s the sound of the splashing waves as they hit the shore?

For me Laguna Beach is like a botanical garden. So alive, surrounded by diversity as every element changes so subtly. A collection of organic specimens that thrive and flow freely like a poem in harmony. Nothing ever stays the same but nothing really ever changes either.

So have I done it? Have I lost you in translation? Good, because this is the essence that makes Laguna Beach so unique and abstract. Everything that this city has to offer culminates to understanding this concept. But to understand this, you have to come and experience it for yourself. Your path might be different but you will all end up in the same place. You will understand that magnificence is a word that falls short in describing this city and all that it has to offer.

For a private home tour of Laguna Beach please contact Chris Kwon at Chris.Kwon@TheBoutiqueRE.com

Laguna Beach, Ca